Method and apparatus for maintaining and locating lost, misplaced or stolen articles

ABSTRACT

Theft increases the average product cost to consumers. A monitoring system is presented that can help to reduce or prevent the inventory from lost or theft. Theft is a serious concern in the consumer market place. Industry loses billions per year on theft of merchandise. According to a Reuters report, last year, thefts by employees of U.S. retail merchandise accounted for $15.9 billion, or 44 percent of theft losses at stores, more than shoplifting and vendor fraud combined. Thus, total theft by the customers and store employees during the year 2008 amounted to $36 billion. Several embodiments of ways to control or reduce the thefts in the market place are presented.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Theft in stores increases the average product cost to consumers. To getthe costs under control, this invention proposes a mentoring system thatcan help to reduce or prevent the inventory from lost or theft.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Theft is a serious concern in the consumer market place. Industry losesbillions per year on theft of merchandise. The thief during the year2008 amounted to $36 billion and is due to both the theft by thecustomers and store employees, as well. Last year, thefts by employeesof U.S. retail merchandise accounted for $15.9 billion, or 44 percent oftheft losses at stores, more than shoplifting and vendor fraud combined.Several embodiments of ways to control or reduce the thefts in themarket place is presented.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Please note that the drawings shown in this specification may not bedrawn to scale and the relative dimensions of various elements in thediagrams are depicted schematically and not necessary to scale.

FIG. 1 a shows a local processor in wireless contact with components andreference blocks within a shelf illustrating this inventive technique.

FIG. 1 b illustrates the different frequency bands used in each shelf tominimize interference between adjacent local processor illustrating thisinventive technique with reference blocks.

FIG. 1 c depicts the local processor in wireless contact with the masterprocessor and components where an output power based on distance isrestricted illustrating this inventive technique.

FIG. 1 d shows the different frequency bands used in each shelf tominimize interference between adjacent local processor illustrating thisinventive technique without reference blocks.

FIG. 2 a shows an aisle view of the store with shelves of products andthe carriage using this inventive technique.

FIG. 2 b depicts another variation of the aisle view of a store withshelves of products and the carriage using this inventive technique.

FIG. 2 c illustrates a side view of the carriage containing severalproducts in wireless contact with the system to provide a location usingthis inventive technique.

FIG. 3 shows the inventive technique determining where the product islocated optically.

FIG. 4 depicts a top view of the aisles of a store illustrating awireless connectivity between the master processor and the individualstacks of shelves of this inventive technique.

FIG. 5 shows a top view of the aisles of a store illustrating a wirelessconnectivity between the master processor and a slave processor that iswired to individual stacks of shelves illustrating this inventivetechnique.

FIG. 6 shows a top view of the aisles of a store illustrating a wiredconnectivity between the master processor and all slave processors thatillustrating this inventive technique.

FIG. 7 depicts a flowchart for following components selected from theshelf to either the register or restricted area.

FIG. 8 shows the three different sub-flowcharts embedded in theflowchart of FIG. 7 and FIG. 9.

FIG. 9 depicts another flowchart for following components selected fromthe shelf to either the register or restricted area.

FIG. 10 illustrates one of the power up sequence of this inventivetechnique.

FIG. 11 depicts a handheld locator using the inventive technique.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Packages or components can be monitored as they are transported from onelocation to another. The monitoring is controlled by a master processorand can be performed automatically. The system senses the movement of acomponent, identifies the location of the component, follows thecomponent and determines if component has been purchased. If thecomponent has not been purchased, then an alarm is registered sosecurity can follow up on the status of the component.

This inventive technique utilizes ways to minimize power dissipationwithin a cell, position cells of different spectrums of energy inadjacent cells, minimize interference between cells, regulate the sizeof these cells, determine when a component leaves the boundary of thecell, follow component once it is outside of the cell. The cell definesa volume of space, for example, a shelf that has a top, bottom, sides,and back physical partitions is one possibility of defining the volumethat describes the cell. The cell dimensions can be adjusted in part byvarying the output power of a local processor which is associated with ashelf.

Every package on a shelf contains a component. The component can beattached, glued, placed inside, or be a part of the actual package. Thepackage contains the item that the customer desires to purchase. Ifevery package contains a component, the component becomes synonymouswith the package. Thus, following the component insures that the packageis followed. Thus, this specification will use the term component toimply the package as well. The component and local processor arecomprised of electronics, antennas, power source and power storage andeach can be used to form communication links. Some of the electronicscan be incorporated into an integrated circuit. If the dimension of theantenna exceeds the area of the integrated circuit, then the antenna canbe connected to the integrated circuit as a separate unit. One link isformed between each of the components on a shelf and the localprocessor. The discussions that follow will seek ways to identify thelocation of a package (component), power the components, communicatewith the component and follow the component. These techniques areapplicable to both the employee and the customer.

FIG. 1 a illustrates a top view 1-1 of a shelf that is partitioned intotwo sections. The arrow 1-17 shows the front perspective provided inFIG. 1 b where the two sections are within the dashed rectangle 1-28.Back to FIG. 1 a, the sections are segregated by physical barriers; thelower section is segregated from the upper section by the side 1-13. Thesides 1-14 and 1-15 segregate these two sections from other sections.These two sections also share the back walls or barrier 1-16.

The top local processor 1-2 b communicates to components 1-5 b through1-7 b using the wireless links 1-9 b through 1-11 b. Each component,although not shown, has an antenna, internal circuitry, memory, control,as would be expected in one or more integrated circuits to enablecommunications and help determine relative position, as well as,performing any desired function that may be required. The samecapability holds for the local processor and any other type of processorthat may be discussed unless otherwise indicated. Each end of the linkis coupled to an antenna of a transceiver that receives/generates thecommunication signal received from/to the link. Finally, although notshown, the local processors eventually communicate with the masterprocessor. The master processor controls the overall operation of thesystem.

Two reference blocks 1-3 b and 1-4 b are wirelessly linked to the localprocessor 1-2 b via links 1-8 b and 1-12 b, respectively. The referenceblocks are used to set the “reference distance” from the transceiver.The reference blocks can be stationary and firmly held in place. If thereference blocks are stationary, a wired link can be used to carry powerand a portion of the non-wireless signals to operate and control thecircuits in the reference block. The reference block or blocks areapproximately placed at a distance from the transceiver where the edgeof the cell is desired. The reference blocks 1-3 b and 1-4 b measure thepower intensity of the signal being emitted from the local processor 1-2b. Although two reference blocks have been illustrated, the number ofreference blocks can vary and will depend on the requirements of thesystem. The links 1-8 b and 1-12 b relay a signal from the localprocessor to each of the reference block and back to the localprocessor. As this is occurring, the output power level of thetransceiver in the local processor 1-2 b is decreased until anacceptable bit error rate (BER) is achieved at the given distance atwhere the first reference block 1-3 b is placed. This adjustment is alsomade between the transceiver in the local processor 1-2 b and the secondreference block 1-4 b.

When an acceptable bit error rate is achieved, the two output powerlevels of the transceiver in the local processor are stored into adatabase. The maximum of the two power level values is noted and iscalled the “reference output power level.” The local processor is set tooutput the “reference output power level” for that cell. The transceiverwill provide reliable communication up to the bound 1-18 b.

The bottom local processor 1-2 a communicates to components 1-5 athrough 1-7 a using the wireless links 1-9 a through 1-11 a. Tworeference blocks 1-3 a and 1-4 a are wirelessly linked to the localprocessor via links 1-8 a and 1-11 a, respectively. The reference blocksare used to set the “reference distance” from the transceiver. Thereference blocks 1-3 a and 1-4 a measure the power intensity of thesignal being emitted from the local processor 1-2 a. The links 1-8 a and1-12 a relay a signal from the local processor to each of the referenceblock and back to the local processor. As this is occurring, the outputpower level of the transceiver in the local processor 1-2 a is decreaseduntil an acceptable bit error rate (BER) is achieved at the givendistance at where the first reference block 1-3 a is placed. Thisadjustment is also made between the transceiver in the local processor1-2 a and the second reference block 1-4 a.

An acceptable BER will vary depending on the complexity of the system,noise in the system, interference, bit rate, attenuation, multipathfading, etc. Forward Error Correction (FEC) techniques and channelcoding can be used to improve bit rate. When an acceptable bit errorrate is achieved, the two output power levels of the transceiver in thelocal processor are stored into a database. The local processor 1-2 a isset to output the maximum of the two values as the “reference outputpower level” for that cell. The transceiver will provide reliablecommunication up to the bound 1-18 a.

Note that the frequency of the carrier is different for the two cells.The local processor 1-2 b is operating at f₄, while the local processor1-2 a is operating at f₃. This avoids interference between the two cellsif the radiation from an antenna from one cell spills into an adjacentcell since the carrier frequencies are different.

This is further depicted in one possible carrier frequency assignmentillustrated in FIG. 1 b. Note that the local processor 1-2 b within thedashed rectangle 1-28 operates at f₄ while all adjacent cells operate ata different carrier frequency. The local processor 1-2 a (adjacent tothe left) operates at f₃, the local processor (not labeled and adjacentto the right) operates at f₃. The cell above and below the localprocessor 1-2 b operate at the carrier frequency of f₂. The referenceblocks 1-24 b through 1-27 b are depicted for these two cells. All fourdiagonal cells operate at f₁. The reference blocks 1-24 a through 1-27 aare illustrated for half of these cells. The shelves in FIG. 1 btypically stock packages (or components), but have not been included tosimply the diagram.

During power-up of each the components 1-5 a through 1-7 a and 1-5 bthrough 1-7 b for the first time, their output power level is reduced tothe “reference output power level” value for that cell by attenuatingthe output signal of the component. Then, the link is checked bymeasuring the BER for the link in the path from the component to thelocal processor. This can be done when the shelves are initially stockedwith new products. Positive or negative adjustments to the output powerlevel can be made to achieve reliable BER measurements between allcomponents in a cell to their corresponding local processor. This iscalled the “reference component output power level.” The referencecomponent output power level is also stored in an on-chip memory (wherethe memory is preferably a non-volatile memory) and in addition can bestored in the local and master processor's memory and the database. Thecomponent's characteristics; type of component, manufacturer, serialnumber, component name, date of manufacture, etc. are stored in theon-chip memory for access by the local or master processor. The localprocessor selects the maximum of the “reference component output powerlevel” and programs all components in that cell to output the maximumlevel.

In the lower cell of Fig. 1 a, the two reference blocks, for example 1-3a and 1-4 b, were used to define a boundary between the shelf and theaisle. Once the component 1-6 a has been moved to a location past theboundary 1-8 a, the communication link 1-10 a has been weaken to thepoint that either the local processor or the component 1-6 a willeventually not recognize the existence of the other any longer. Thelocal processor then informs a master processor of the missing component1-6 a. The master processor can now control monitoring the location ofthis component using a secondary monitoring system once the component isoutside of its cell.

Depending on the size of the shelf, the number of reference blocks pershelf can be more or less than two. In some cases, the walls: the shelf,partition or back barrier between common shelves or supports can beformed of non-metallic material to extend the range of the transceiversin the local processor or components. Note that the modularity of theshelves in FIG. 1 b can leads to variety of different sized cells.Simply by removing a side partition, or a barrier partition, the volumeof the cell can be varied.

Fig. 1 c depicts a local processor 1-42 b with several components 1-29 bthrough 1-33 b communicating to the local processor 1-42 b using links1-34 b through 1-38 b. In this case, each component is set to one of anumber of pre-defined output power levels (1-43 a through 1-45 z). Fromstudies conducted on shelves, power levels are determined (see bottom ofFig. 1 c) as a function of distance that provide acceptable BER withinthe volume of a cell but drops rapidly as the boundary 1-40 (see top ofFIG. 1 c) surrounding the cell is crossed. Once this database has beencompiled, the components can be programmed with a specified output powerlevel after they are placed on a shelf. The output power level of thetransceiver in the local processor that couples to the links 1-34 bthrough 1-38 b is adjusted to relay a signal from the local processor toeach of the components. The pre-programmed output power level of thereturn link has already been set as mentioned earlier. As this isoccurring, the power level of the transceiver in the local processor isminimized until an acceptable bit error bit rate is achieved for thedistance between the local processor and each of the components. Themaximum of all the minimum values is selected and the transceiver in thelocal processor is set to this new maximum reference output power value.Once a component passes barrier 1-40 a signal is sent to the masterprocessor to hand off to another monitoring system.

FIG. 1 c also indicates the front view 1-39 perspective that will beshown in FIG. 1 d. In FIG. 1 d, the front view 1-46 of the shelves isillustrated. The local processor 1-42 b is within the dashed rectangle1-56. Note that in all adjacent shelves of shelf 1-55, 1-47 through 1-54use a different carrier frequency for operation.

FIG. 2 a depicts a cross-sectional view 2-1 of a store defining thewidth 2-29 of an aisle and showing the shelves that face the secondaisle to the left. These aisles go into the page. One aisle is formedbetween the locations of the two vertical supports 2-27 and 2-28 and theshelves 2-14 a to 2-14 c and 2-16 a to 2-16 c that are placed on thesupports. Note that there are three layers of shelves, although thenumber of layers could be any number. To simplify the description, manyparts on the upper shelf ends the identifiers with an “a”, similar partson the middle shelf end with “b” and those on the lowest shelf end in“c.”

The upper set of shelves 2-12 a, 2-14 a and 2-16 a has at least onestack of packages 2-20 a, 2-21 a and 2-22 a on them, respectively.

Inside the stack of packages 2-20 a, there two packages where the firstpackage has component 2-21 and the second package has component 2-22.The components 2-21 and 2-22 communicate to the antenna 2-8 a of thelocal processor using one of the links 2-10 a. The component can beplaced inside or mounted on the outside of the package. A referenceblock 2-13 a is shown at the far end of the shelf 2-12 a. The componentscan have a transceiver that can receive/transmit information from/to thelocal processor as mentioned earlier. In addition, all the localprocessors within a stack of shelves can be coupled to an antenna 2-4 ofthe stack processor that in turn communicates with the antenna 2-3 ofthe master processor 2-2 via the link 2-7. The antenna 2-5 of the stackprocessor communicates with the antenna 2-3 of the master processor 2-2via the link 2-6.

Inside the stack of packages 2-21 a, there two packages where the firstpackage has component 2-23 and the second package has component 2-24.The components 2-23 and 2-24 communicate to the antenna 2-9 a of thelocal processor using one of the links 2-11 a. A reference block 2-15 ais shown at the far end of the shelf 2-14 a.

Inside the stack of packages 2-22 a, there two packages where the firstpackage has component 2-25 and the second package has component 2-26.The components 2-25 and 2-26 communicate to the antenna 2-19 a of thelocal processor using one of the links 2-18 a. One of the referenceblocks 2-17 a is shown at the far end of the shelf 2-16 a.

Similar packages on the middle and lower shelves have endings with “b”and “c”, as pointed out earlier. For instance, the stack of packages2-22 b is located on the middle shelf. While the energy wave 2-10 b inthe far left middle shelf applies energy to the components that are inthe stack of packages 2-20 b. The “energy transfer unit” could useinductive, wireless or optical means to power up the components. Each ofthe components can use a capacitor to store up charge during this energytransfer. The energy transfer provides immediate energy availabilitywhile the stored charge can be used by the component to perform somefunction.

On the lowest shelf, the reference block 2-12 a is shown on the bottomfar left. The antenna 2-9 c of the local processor uses links 2-11 c tocommunicate with each of the components in the stack of packages 2-21 c.Note that the link 2-11 c comprises all of the links from all of thecomponents that are within the volume assigned to that cell. Meanwhile,the energy wave 2-18 c charges up the components in its assigned volume.The reference block 2-17 c can be used to determine when one of thepackages is removed since each package has a component.

FIG. 2 a also illustrates a customer (shopper, client, etc.) 2-30pushing a cart 2-31 down the aisle. A box 2-32 is permanently mounted tothe cart and can be used to communicate directly with the masterprocessor 2-2 using link 2-33.

FIG. 2 b illustrates a side view 2-34 of shelves and a portion of theaisle. The cart 2-31 communicates with the reference blocks 2-15 b and2-15 c via box 2-32 using wireless link 2-37 a and 2-37 c. The referenceblocks can also have a separate transceiver embedded to receive thesewireless signals from a cart, if desired. Once received, the signals aretransferred via the hardwired paths 2-35 and 2-36 to the stack processorthat is coupled to antenna 2-4. The signals are then sent to the masterprocessor.

A side view 2-38 of the cart 2-31 as shown in FIG. 2 c. The basket ofthe cart contains three packages 2-41 c, 2-43 b and 2-45 a each with acomponent 2-42 c, 2-44 b and 2-46 a, respectively. The componentscommunicated wirelessly with the antenna 2-49 of the cart processorusing links 2-47. At least one reference block 2-40 is attached to thecarriage of the cart. In addition, an RF energy wave 2-48 is shown whichenergizes the components wirelessly. The frequencies of the links 2-47and those of 2-48 can be in different frequency bands if operatesimultaneously. Otherwise, the links can operate in a daisy chainpattern, each taking a portion of time in a time division system, toeither energize or communicate with the components in the basket of thecart 2-31. In addition, other communication techniques can be used tosend the information between all links such as TDMA, FDMA, CDMA, OFDM,UWB, WiFi, etc. The box 2-32 also contains another antenna 2-50 thatcommunicates with the master processor 2-2 using link 2-33 as mentionedearlier. The reference block 2-51 contains the cart processor thatinterfaces with the stack or master processor.

The stack processor communicates to the master processor 2-2 using thelink 2-7. The link 2-7 is illustrated as a wireless channel, but in somecase as will be shown later, a wired channel could be used. The masterprocessor has access to a database that stores data concerning thedetails of the network and information concerning the inventory of thecomponents and the component's characteristics (location of component,type of component, manufacturer, serial number, component name, date ofmanufacture, etc.).

A visual link 3-4 is illustrated in the cross sectional view 3-1 of theaisle given in FIG. 3. The customer 2-30 selected the package 3-2 withthe component 3-3. The positioning of the component 3-3 is beyond therange of the reference block 2-15 b and the link 2-11 b contains a lackof response 3-5 from the antenna 3-6 of the local processor to thecomponent 3-3 or vice versa. This lack of response 3-5 is sensed by thelocal processor associated with antenna 3-6. This lack of response istransmitted to the stack processor coupled to antenna 2-4. The stackprocessor associated with antenna 2-4 of the local processor sends theresponse to the master process 2-2 via antenna 2-3 of the masterprocessor.

Once the master processor realizes that the package 3-2 is off theshelf, the master processor sends the visual monitoring system 3-10 allthe information regarding the package 3-2. This information will be readfrom the database corresponding to the component 3-3 attached to thepackage 3-2, that includes the current coordinates (aisle, shelfposition, shelf layer) of the package 3-2 within the store. Additionaldetails can also be provided in the database; the cost, when packageplaced there, weight of package, size of package, etc.

The visual monitoring system 3-10 then issues instructions to cameras3-7 through 3-9 that are in the vicinity of the package 3-4. Thesecameras then point to the location that was received from the masterprocessors to help locate the package 3-2. Once the package is visuallyidentified, the cameras can time share the location of this packagealong with other packages that have been or are being selected by othercustomers in the store. The location is then sent to the masterprocessor 2-2. After the package 3-2 is placed in the cart 2-31, thevisual monitoring system 3-10 issues instructions to the cameras tofollow either the package 3-2 or the cart 2-31 as the customer pushesthe cart in the store.

Note that the links 2-19 a, 2-19 b and 2-19 c are inactivated or powereddown to save power. This occurs since the customer was located by thevisual monitoring system on the left side of the aisle. Since thepackages on the right side of the aisle are not immediately accessibleto the customer (their arms are not that long), there is no need topower up the components on the shelves 2-16 a through 2-16 c. This canmake substantial saving in power costs since power does not have to beapplied to all shelves at all times. The powering of the components canmatch the needs of the flow of customers through the store yetminimizing overall energy usage. As more of the electronics becomepowered down, the cost saving can be substantial.

Note, that all of the electronic circuit blocks that would be used tocarry and insure the integrity of the signal between the components andthe master processor are not illustrated, for simplicity of description.For instance, antenna 2-4 or 2-5 of the stack processors do not show anyelectronic circuits coupled to the antenna. Yet, those skilled in theart would know that transceivers, power supplies, interconnects,microcontrollers, DSP's (Digital Signal Processors), Processors, etc.would be necessary to insure a reliable communication link with a lowbit error rate.

FIG. 4 depicts a top view 4-1 of FIG. 3 showing two aisles. The customer2-30 and cart 2-31 are located in the left aisle. The cell 4-3 containsthe antenna 2-5 of the local processor while the cell 4-4 contains theantenna 2-4 of the local processor. Both processors were indicatedduring the discussions of FIG. 3. A customer 4-11 is pushing a cart 4-10in the right aisle. The master processor 2-2 is coupled to the antenna2-3 of the master processor. The antenna 2-3 then transfers signalsto/from the stack processor 2-5 using link 2-7, as was also shown inFIG. 3. A stack processor would be connected to antenna 2-4, similarlyanother stack processor would be connected to antenna 2-5 of the localprocessor. The stack processor interfaces with all the local processorswithin the underlying shelves of that stack. The stack processors are atthe top stack of the shelves and transfer data between the localprocessors within that stack and the master processor. The antenna 2-4of the stack processor uses link 2-7 while antenna 2-5 of the stackprocessor uses link 4-2 d. Some later examples show ways to eliminateone of these stack processors in the sequence of transfers betweenprocessors. The stack processor 2-5 (in the center row of shelves) thensends the signal to the local processor (not show) which then transfersthe signal to/from the selected component 4-16 using link 4-17. Themaster processor then communicates with all of the remaining stackprocessors that are within its range to see if there are any additionalchanges to the other shelves. A few, but not all, of these links 4-2 ato 4-2 e to the stack processors are depicted.

The local processor has a range that extends to about the edge of therectangles 4-3 or 4-4. The rectangle 4-4 sweeps out a volume when movedinto the page. The depth of this volume is equal to the height of theshelf. This volume is equal to a single aisle cell. In the rectangle4-3, however, one of these shelves can be accessed by a customer in theleft aisle, while the other shelf can be accessed by a customer in theright aisle. A back or barrier partition that can separate the contentsbetween these two shelves can be removed to effectively double thevolume of a single aisle cell. The rectangle 4-3 sweeps out a volumewhen moved into the page. The depth of this volume is equal to theheight of the shelf. This volume is equal to a two single aisle cells,since the barrier between these cells has been removed.

The local processor (not shown), which is coupled to the stack processor2-5, also needs to communicate with all of the components located withinits swept out volume or cell. The volume has been described as having ashape of a rectangular solid, but in reality the shape would be morespherical in nature for a single antenna. With a mechanical orelectrically steerable antenna, the volume may be able to approach moreof a rectangular solid shape. To help determine the edges of the celldefined by the rectangle 4-3, reference blocks 4-5 a and 4-5 b are shownon only one side to simply the complexity of the diagram althoughideally at least one additional reference block should be located on theleft side of the rectangle 4-3.

If the component 4-18 within the cell 4-3 is moved beyond the boundariesof the cell, the communication link between the local processor and thecomponent degrades and loses contact. This is how the system knew thatthe component at the empty location 4-8 of cell 4-3 was missing. Thiscomponent is being monitored by one of the inventive techniquesillustrated earlier. The missing component 4-9 that was in the emptylocation 4-8 is located in the cart 4-10 being pushed by customer 4-11.

A second rectangle 4-6 (dotted and below rectangle 4-3) highlights thelocation of a second cell with a second stack processor. The dotted linehelp distinguish the different cells. Each cell can have a differentcarrier frequency to form the communication links between the componentslocated within a cell and a local processor. Adjacent cells usedifferent frequency bandwidth to insure less interference fromneighboring cells. The rectangles 4-6, 4-7 and 4-19 points out thelocation of a more cells with their stack processor.

An empty location 4-12 in the cell at the lower left of FIG. 4 was onceoccupied by component 4-13. The component was removed by the customer2-30 pushing cart 2-31 carrying the component 4-13 taken from the emptylocation 4-12.

A local processor (not shown) is in contact with the antenna 4-14 ofstack processor and is in a dotted rectangle in the rightmost column.The local processor communicates with the components using link 4-15.The reference blocks 4-5 c and 4-5 d for the local processor areillustrated at the corners of the cell nearest the aisle where customerspass.

FIG. 5 shows a different architecture 5-1 for transferring the data fromthe components to the master processor 2-2. The stack processors havebeen removed and the local processors are wired together in each row ofshelves comprising an aisle. For example, the slave processor 5-5 iswired to the local processors in the left column of shelves. This slavewirelessly sends data to the master processor 2-2 using the link 5-2.The slave processor 5-6, which communicates to the master processorusing link 5-3, is wired to all of the local processors in the centercolunmn. One of the local processors 5-8 communicates to the componentsusing a wireless link 5-9. The last slave processor 5-7 communicates tothe master processor using link 5-4 and is wired to all of the localprocessors in the right column. The dotted outlines of the slaveprocessors indicates different frequency bands can be used to avoidinterference. Note that only one layer of shelves are illustrated in thetop view. If additional layers of shelves are used, they can be locatedbelow this shelf.

FIG. 6 depicts another architecture 6-1 where the master processor 2-2is wired to all local processor using interconnect 6-2, 6-3 and 6-4. Theslave processors have been eliminated. The components on the shelves arestill wirelessly coupled to their local processor. For example, seelocal processor 5-8 using wireless link 5-9 to communicate to one of thecomponents.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart 7-1 that identifies when the componentsare removed from a shelf and tracks these components placed in a cart.After start 7-2 and through the joiner 7-3, the components in the cellare checked against a database 7-4. In 7-5, a decision is made todetermine if the components match the database. If so, move to joiner7-3, otherwise move to the block to determine the missing component 7-6.Once the component is identified, the master system request visualmonitoring 7-7 to begin.

The next instruction is in the sequence A-B represented by 7-8 and 7-9which is depicted in flowchart 8-1 shown in FIG. 8. After leaving A 7-8,block 8-2 indicates that information from the master processor regardingthe physical location corresponding to the component that was removed issend to the visual system being triggered by the removal of thecomponent from the shelf. The network between the master and localprocessor for a particular store is a relatively permanent network.Having a permanent network has benefits since the database of each localprocessor can be tied to a coordinate system based on a building'sblueprint overlaying the local processor placement. The master processorasks for details regarding the missing component. Then the localprocessor indicates its geographical store based location based on theblueprints providing the aisle, the shelf, the level of the shelf, etc.

As an alternative, a second positioning technique known as GPS (GlobalPositioning Satellite) can also be used to identify the locations of thelocal processors. Since the local processors are part of a permanentnetwork as pointed out earlier, the local processor can be powered by anactual power supply that plugs into a major power source (the powergrid, backup generators, etc.). The GPS circuits can providegeographical global based location that could be mapped onto a blueprintof the store or used directly. This would allow easy changes to thestore's appearance yet maintain the system running.

The GPS system can be placed into each component allowing the positionof each component to be easily determined. A certain amount of powerwould be required to energize the component circuits for GPS. An energytransfer unit can be used to provide the components with energy but onlyat pre-determined locations. The cart can provide one location where thecomponent can be energized and read, another is at the register.

Once block 8-2 sends the location to the component to the visual systembeing triggered by the removal of the component from the shelf. Thevisual system then directs for the capture of at least one image of thecomponent as in block 8-3. The image is scanned for the component orpackage, since now the visual system knows the details of the packagesize from the database. The shape can be determined from thesedimensions and the component can be identified by both its shape andposition 8-3 a. The next step is B 7-9 that moves back to the flowchartin FIG. 7.

In block 7-10, the visual system monitors that the component (orpackage) as the package leaves the shelf. Then, the visual systemdetermines if the component has been placed into the cart 7-11. If thecomponent is not placed in the cart, move to E 7-12 where the flowchart8-8 is given in FIG. 8, otherwise move to the sequence C-D representedby 7-13 and 7-14 depicted in the flowchart 8-4 in FIG. 8. Starting at C7-13, the identity of the cart is probed, if a number is alreadyassigned then do nothing. Otherwise, assign a random number to the cart8-5. As each new component is placed in the cart, the master processorupdates the database for that cart as in block 8-6. One way ofperforming the update is by using the inventive technique illustrated inFIG. 2 b where the cart communicates wirelessly with the store's networkvia a stationary terminal such as the reference block which is typicallypermanently mounted to the shelves. This allows the operation ofupdating the database in the master processor for the cart as in block8-6. Finally, in block 8-7, each cart is followed visually. The cart canbe monitored by using visual sightings (wireless communications is alsopossible as shown later). Then move to D 7-14 back in FIG. 7.

The next step is to pass the joiner 7-15 and check the cart's position7-16. Determine if the cart is in the register area 7-17. If the cart isnot in the register area, determine if the cart is in a restricted area7-18. The restricted area can be a bathroom, the back employee door, thestore entrance/exit (if package has not purchased), or tucked into theperpetrator's clothes. If the cart is in the restricted area, then soundoff the alarm 7-23, and follow up on the whereabouts of the component.Otherwise, go to the joiner 7-15.

If the cart is in the register area 7-17, then the cashier will ring upthe costs 7-19. In addition, the master system calculates the cost basedon the database contents of the cart 7-20. The master processor comparesthe calculated and the rung up costs 7-21. If they do not match, soundthe alarm 7-23. Otherwise, if they match, the job is finished 7-22 andthen terminated.

In FIG. 7, if the component was not visually placed into the cart 7-11,then the package is being carried by the customer and control then movesto E 7-12 given in FIG. 7 and in FIG. 8 as flowchart 8-8. This flowchart8-8 is very similar to the last part of FIG. 7 starting from the joiner7-12. The exception being that the block 7-16 which checks the cart'sposition has been replaced by the block 8-9 that checks the component'sposition. Block 8-9 checks the component's position visually todetermine if the component is at the register area 7-17. If thecomponent is not in the register area, determine if the component is ina restricted area 7-18. If the component is in the restricted area, thensound off the alarm 7-23, otherwise go to the joiner 7-12.

If the component is in the register area, then the cashier will ring upthe costs 7-19. In addition, the master system calculates the cost ofthe database contents of all carried components brought to the register7-20. The master processor compares the calculated and the rung up costs7-21. If they do not match, sound the alarm 7-23. Otherwise, if theymatch, the job is finished 7-22 and then terminated.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart 9-1 for a wireless tracking system beingused for the cart and optically tracking carried components 9-2 bycustomer. FIG. 9 identifies removed components placed in a cart andwirelessly follows the cart or visually tracks the components carried bythe customer. After start 7-2 and through the joiner 7-3, the componentsin the cell are checked against a database 7-4. In 7-5, a decision ismade to determine if the results match the database. If so, move tojoiner 7-3, otherwise move to the block to determine the missingcomponent 7-6. Once the component is identified, the master systemupdates its database and waits till the cart wirelessly responds thatthe component has been placed in the cart 7-11.

After a certain delay, the visual system is activated to determine wherethe component currently is located and sends the location of thecomponent to the visual system after a certain delay being triggered bythe removal of the component from the shelf. If the component is notplaced in the cart and is being carried, continue to view the componentvisually 9-2 then move to E 7-12 which corresponds to the flowchart 8-8in FIG. 8. The visual system then directs for the capture of at leastone image of the component. The image is scanned for the component,since now the visual system knows the details of the package size fromthe database. The shape can be determined from these dimensions and thecomponent can be identified by both its shape and followed.

On the other hand, if the component is placed in the cart, the masterprocessor interfaces with the cart processor and makes a requestdetermine cart location 9-3. Then the master processor wirelesslyupdates the contents of the cart to database 9-4. The network betweenthe master and local processor for a particular store is relativelypermanent network. Having a permanent network has benefits since thelocation of each local processor can be tied to a coordinate systembased on a building's blueprint overlaying the local processor placementor GPS signals can be used. When the master processor asks for detailsregarding the missing component another data point given would beextracted from the local processor indicating its geographical storebased location or geographic global based location.

The positioning technique known as GPS (Global Positioning Satellite)can also be used to identify the local processor or the location of thecart. A GPS can be included with the local processor to provide theposition. Since the local processors are part of a permanent network aspointed out earlier, the local processor can be powered by an actualpower supply that plugs into a major power source (the power grid,backup generators, etc.). Thus, the GPS circuits, being powered, canprovide geographical world based location that could be mapped onto ablueprint of the store.

The GPS can be placed into each component and the position of eachcomponent can be determined easily. A certain amount of power would berequired to energize the circuits for GPS. An energy transfer unit canbe used to provide the components with energy but only at pre-determinedlocations. The cart provides one location where the component can beenergized and read, another is at the register.

This flowchart in FIG. 9 starting from the joiner 7-15 is explained. Thereference block 9-5 wirelessly checks the cart's position. Next, thecart's position is checked wirelessly to determine if the cart is at theregister area 7-17. If the cart is not in the register area, determineif the cart is in a restricted area 7-18. If the cart is in therestricted area, then sound off the alarm 7-23, otherwise go to thejoiner 7-15.

If the cart is in the register area, then the cashier will ring up thecosts 7-19. In addition, the master system transfers the calculated costbased on the database contents of the components brought to the register7-20. A match between the calculated and the rung up costs are compared7-21. If they do not match, sound the alarm 7-23. Otherwise, if theymatch, the job is completed and then terminated.

FIG. 10 depicts the method 10-1 of setting up the reference powersetting of the reference block in a cell. Also, a power up procedure isapplied to the components on the shelf. The flowchart starts with thesetup 10-2 moves to extracting from the database the initial setting ofthe reference block 10-3. The value of reference power setting is storedin the memory of all reference blocks 10-5. After the joiner 10-6, thesystem determines if there is interference 10-8. If there is, go to 10-7and decrease the value stored in memory to reduce the output power ofthe transceiver and try again. When the interference in communicating toall of the reference blocks is eliminated, apply the values stored inmemory to each of the reference blocks. Then move to the joiner 10-6.Repeat the interference 10-8 test, if there is no interference move tothe sequence F 10-9 to G 10-10. This sequence is illustrated in theflowchart 10-15 shown on the right.

Typically, the database can be searched to find the power up details.However, the flowchart 10-15 can be used to determine how the componentsare powered on the shelf 10-16. If the power is conductively transferred10-17, past through joiners 10-21 and 10-23 and set the components toreceive the power 10-24. Then go to G 10-10. If the conductive test10-17 fails, then see if inductive powering is used 10-18, if notdetermine if RF 10-19 provides the source of power. Otherwise light10-20, or laser beams, can be applied to the component's solar cell toconvert the light into electricity. If the light test fails, notify themaster processor and go to block 10-4 or done.

If inductive powering is used, then continue to 10-24 via 10-21 and10-23. Similarly, if RF is used, move to 10-24 through 10-22 and 10-23.If light is used, move to 10-24 through 10-22 and 10-23. If theexcitation to energize the components functions, a communication signalwill be received by the local processor. Once the type of powerexcitation is determined and applied, move to G 10-10. From G, move tothe joiner 10-11.

Now that the components are powered up, all reference blocks should beable to sense the presence of the components in their cell. In fact,some may exceed the boundary into an adjoining cell, but differentcarrier frequency of (f₁, f₂, f₃ . . . ) can be used to partition thespace within the store into cells as pointed out earlier. For example,one cell can have carrier frequencies of f₁ and the adjacent cells canhave a carrier frequency of f₂.

After the joiner 10-11, the components are checked against a database10-12 to see if all components are accounted for. If not 10-13, identifythe error 10-14 and report it to the master processor and return tojoiner 10-11. If everything matches, the system moves to done 10-4.

Another inventive use 11-1 is given in FIG. 11. A handheld unit 11-3with a display 11-4 indicating that “Several items are within range” isfacing a user 11-2 along the sightline 11-15. The handheld unit containsall the electrical parts, integrated circuits, display, processors,antennas, display screens, entry pads, etc, as would be expected by anyperson skilled in the art in constructing a hand held unit. The display11-4 can also provide the programmed names of the components. The system11-16 applies an energy transfer unit to an antenna 11-18 that sends theenergy to the components 11-6 through 11-9 via the link 11-17. Theenergy from the energy transfer unit is picked up and converted intoelectrical energy. Meanwhile, the components communicate with thehandheld unit 11-3 using the antenna 11-5 and the links 11-10 through11-13.

In this inventive technique, a portable energy transfer unit 11-16 isused to activate the components within range of the charging antenna11-18 and also within the range of the receiving antenna 11-5 of thehand held unit 11-3. The energy transfer unit 11-16 can potentially beembedded into the hand held unit 11-3. One use of this inventivetechnique is to find possessions that contain a component in an area. Byclicking on the item shown on the screen, a bullet list appears thatoffers the user a choice of options. One option is to locate thecomponent by causing the component to emit a stimulus. The stimulus canbe an audio or visual signal to help locate the unit quicker. Forinstance, the component can emit a beeping sound. Also, another optionis to control the output power of the component. The output power of thecomponent can be adjusted after clicking on it.

The portable hand held unit 11-3 can be used as a game. One player canspread out the components in a certain pattern in an area and then getthe second player to follow a path through a maze. The maze can be alongthe path where the components have the largest output power signatures,for example.

A second inventive technique is to include the reference block 11-14 andthe interconnect 11-19. A reference block 11-14 sets the size or volumeof the cell. A battery pack can be used to power the reference but ahard wire 11-19 can be used to provide system power from the handheld11-3.

An apparatus that identifies when a component is removed from a cellcomprising; at least one reference block positioned a first distancefrom a local processor, a boundary of the cell surrounding the localprocessor is adjusted to align with the first distance and a wirelesslink is established within the cell to couple the component to the localprocessor, wherein a loss of the wireless link identifies that thecomponent was removed from the cell. The apparatus further comprising;at least one wall to physically confine the cell, an energy transferunit that powers the component, or a component's electronics areincorporated in at least one integrated circuit. Wherein the referenceblock is permanently positioned, the boundary of the cell is adjusted byvarying a output power of the reference block, a component's outputpower is set to the output power of the reference block or a localprocessor's output power is set to the output power of the referenceblock.

An apparatus that identifies when a component is removed from a cellcomprising; the component programmed with a pre-defined output powerlevel, a boundary of the cell surrounding a local processor isdetermined by the pre-defined power output level and a wireless link isestablished within the cell to couple the component to the localprocessor, wherein a loss of any wireless link identities that acomponent was removed from the cell. Further comprising at least onewall to physically confine the cell, an energy transfer unit that powersthe component or a component's electronics are incorporated in at leastone integrated circuit. Wherein the boundary of the cell is adjusted byvarying a output power of the component and a local processor's outputpower is set to the output power of the component.

An portable hand held system apparatus comprising; at least onecomponent, an energy transfer unit remotely powering the component, awireless link is formed between the component and the portable hand heldunit, an identity of the component is transmitted over the wirelesslink, a screen displays the identity of the component, the identity ofthe component is selected on the screen and the selected component emitsa stimulus. Wherein the stimulus is audio or visual. Wherein an outputpower of the component can be adjusted.

A method of notifying a visual monitoring system to follow a componentonce the component is outside a cell comprising the steps of; using awireless monitoring system to verify the component is within the cell,wirelessly identifying if the component is removed from the cell andnotifying the visual monitoring system to follow the component outsidethe cell. Further comprising; visually identifying the component isplaced in a cart, using a energy transfer unit to power up the componentwithin a cart, using a second wireless monitoring system to verify thecomponent is within a cart and visually identifying the component isbeing carrried by a customer. Further comprising following the carriedcomponent to a register.

Finally, it is understood that the above description are onlyillustrative of the principles of the current invention. It isunderstood that the various embodiments of the invention, althoughdifferent, are not mutually exclusive. In accordance with theseprinciples, those skilled in the art may devise numerous modificationswithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thetechniques presented here to monitor and control theft can be used andapplied to customers and employees, alike. In some cases, the referenceblocks can be moved and positioned on the fly to adjust the referencedistance. Once the volume of the cell is determined, the distances fromthe transceivers to the edge of the cell can be determined. Theprocessor comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit), microprocessor,DSP, Network processor, a front end processor, or a co-processor. All ofthe supporting elements to operate these processors (memory, disks,monitors, keyboards, etc) although not necessarily shown are know bythose skilled in the art for the operation of the entire system. Anotherpossibility of monitoring a shelf is to time share the same frequencybetween a certain number of cells; however, each of these cells will beenabled for a fraction of the time. Otherwise the links can operate in adaisy chain pattern, each taking a portion of time in a time divisionsystem, to either energize or communicate with the components in eachcell. In addition, other communication techniques can be used to sendthe information between all links such as TDMA (Time Division MultipleAccess), FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access), CDMA (Code DivisionMultiple Access), OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing), UWB(Ultra Wide Band), WiFi, etc. Another is that the shelves and supportscan be made of a non-magnetic material. Plastic shelves could be onematerial that could non-magnetic but rigid. This could allow lesstransceivers to be employed in an isle since the cell or volumesurrounding the transceiver is not bounded by a metallic shield. Thecommunication link between the components and the master processor canbe created so that the master processor can bypass any processors in thechain and communicate directly with the component. Also, the hardwiredsystem portions can be substituted with wirelessly connected portion orvice versa. In some cases the antenna that is used for communicationscan also be used as an RF source to power up the components with energy.The store can be replaced with a warehouse to perform the samefunctions. The customer can also be a warehouse employee.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable hand held system apparatus comprising:a plurality of components with different amplitudes of stimulus, placedin a pattern by a first user; an energy transfer unit remotely poweringthe components; a wireless link is formed between components and aportable hand held unit; a list of the components are transmitted overthe wireless link; a touch screen displays the list of the components,whereby selecting one of the components in the list causes a stimulus tobe emitted from the component; and a second user can locate thecomponent.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stimulus is audio orvisual.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an output power of thecomponent can be adjusted.
 4. A method of notifying a visual monitoringsystem to follow a component once the component is outside a cellcomprising the steps of: using a wireless monitoring system to verifythe component is within the cell; wirelessly identifying if thecomponent is removed from the cell; and notifying the visual monitoringsystem to continuously follow the component outside the cell.
 5. Themethod of claim 4, further comprising: visually identifying thecomponent is placed in a cart.
 6. The method of claim 5, furthercomprising: using a energy transfer unit to power up the componentwithin the cart.
 7. The method of claim 5, further comprising: using asecond wireless monitoring system to verify the component is within thecart.
 8. The method of claim 4, further comprising: visually identifyingthe component is being carried by a customer.
 9. The method of claim 8,further comprising: following the carried component to a register. 10.The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising: sounding an alarm if thecomponent enters a restricted area.
 11. The apparatus of claim 4,further comprising: using a energy transfer unit to power up thecomponent within the cell.
 12. The apparatus of claim 4, furthercomprising: checking the component against a database.
 13. The apparatusof claim 5, further comprising: checking the cart position in an aisle.14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: the second userfollows the components that emit stimulus in the pattern.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 14, wherein the pattern is a maze.
 16. The apparatusof claim 14, wherein the components have a larger output powersignature.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second user followsthe components that emit stimulus in either increasing or decreasingorder.
 18. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a component'selectronics are incorporated in at least one integrated circuit.